Falling while you are pregnant can be very scary. Pregnancy changes the way you walk, and it causes your center of gravity to change. This can make it difficult to maintain your balance. Carrying more weight than you normally would and learning to keep your balance can be tricky at times. This is why falls often happen. If you experience a fall during pregnancy here is what you need to know.

 You Have Protection

One of the first things you need to know is that your body does its best to protect your baby. Your baby gets cushioning from amniotic fluid and the muscles in your uterus. It is unlikely that your uterus will suffer any permanent trauma. However, if you fall hard and hit your belly at specific angles, you are more likely to experience placenta abruption or fetal skull injury in rare cases.

Time to See Your Doctor

It is time to see your doctor if you fell and got a direct blow to your belly. If you see that your amniotic fluid is leaking or if there is any vaginal bleeding, go to the doctor. Pain across your pelvis, uterus, and stomach can also happen. If you have started to have premature contractions and if your baby is not moving as often as they normally would, then it is time to seek medical help.

Tests for Injury

Once you visit your doctor they will begin testing you to see if you have any injuries. You will be tested for injuries to your body. Make sure that you tell your doctor all you are feeling. This will assist them in identifying problems. Your doctor will assess your baby, measure fetal heart tones, and do an ultrasound.

How to Prevent Falls

Preventing falls is extremely important. The best way to do this is to wear shoes that have grip and non-skid bottoms. Do not wear high heels during pregnancy. Look carefully at surfaces before you walk across them. Wet surfaces can be especially problematic. Try to walk on paved areas as much as possible. Grassy surfaces can make you trip, so avoid these as much as possible. Where railings are available, make sure you grip them while walking down the stairs.

A fall during pregnancy can leave you emotionally rattled. It can also affect your baby. If you have a fall during pregnancy go ahead and see your doctor immediately. The sooner you do the faster any problems that may have developed can be dealt with.

For more information about what to do if you're injured while pregnant, look at this site or contact an obstetrician in your area.

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